Question reference: S5W-33720
- Asked by: Daniel Johnson, MSP for Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 3 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 14 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the urgent question on support for the retail sector by Jamie Hepburn on 2 December 2020 (Official Report, c. 22), whether it will provide further details of its retail strategy in connection with the administration of Debenhams and the Arcadia Group; what progress it has made on its development of a strategy; what timeframe it is working to on its development, and when it last met with each of the partners referred to in the answer.
Answer
Development of a longer term strategy for Scotland’s retail sector was discussed on 5 November at the most recent meeting of the Retail Sub-Group, focused on the development of safe trading guidance during the pandemic. Representatives from the Scottish Retail Consortium, The Scottish Grocers Federation and the Federation of Small Businesses, as well as representatives from USDAW and GMB, were in attendance. The Sub-Group discussed convening a steering group comprising representatives from retailers, retail trade organisations, public sector bodies and trade unions to guide development of the retail strategy.
Plans are being made for a first meeting of the new Strategy Steering Group in January. However, prior to the first formal meeting, we will continue to discuss key strategic issues with stakeholders on this crucial issue.
We aim to take forward a root and branch examination of the retail sector and how government can work with the sector in future to anticipate and prevent job losses such as these experienced by Arcadia employees. The strategy will aim to address the particular opportunities and challenges faced by the sector and to provide a more resilient future for retailers and employees in Scotland.
The loss of an historic high street presence like Debenhams, and potential closure of other shops forming part of the Arcadia Group, highlights the enormous challenges facing high-street businesses and workers alike, as a result of COVID-19 and pre-existing trends affecting the retail sector.
We are due to meet with the administrators Deloitte this week to identify any further measures the Scottish Government can take to support the affected staff and businesses.
PACE have engaged with Debenhams and Arcadia Group and appointed administrators to establish what impact this announcement will have on its Scottish operations and staff and stand ready to provide PACE support to those affected. Support for employees facing redundancy is being offered through the Scottish Government’s Partnership Action for Continuing Employment, PACE initiative. Through providing skills development and employability support, PACE aims to minimise the time individuals are out of work. We are keen that employees affected in Scotland have the opportunity to take full advantage of this support as soon as possible.